Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola

Rocket loves going to the library. When she finds out it will close, she decides to speak up. This little girl has a lot to say. She rallies her friends to have a peaceful protest – ‘like Rosa Parks did!’ A story full of energy, the power of using our voices and the importance of… books.

Ruth’s Updates

This newsletter includes: Teaching reading consistently across a trust, Remember to upload and analyse your data, Top tips on the countdown to the check, Coming soon to our Phonics Virtual Classroom!, Fresh Start Module practice activities and Classroom in-action films.

Hello! A Counting Book of Kindness by Hollis Kurman

Families running away from war, floods or scary places need a safe place to live. This counting book beautifully illustrates hope, action and the importance of kind gestures. From beds ‘to keep us safe and warm’ to ‘sharing new stories and words’.

The Can Caravan by Richard O’Neill and Cindy Kang

Mrs Tolen has a broken hip and worries she will have to move from her caravan into a house. Her young friends decide to help. With hard work and a visit to the recycling plant, her home is safe for her. A story celebrating the traditional Traveller values of community and recycling.

Forever Star by Gareth Peter and Judi Abbot

Tim and Tim, the space heroes, would like to be dads and decide to adopt a child who needs a new start. They travel through space and find… Little Jim. ‘I think that’s our boy! Our very own starlight, our very own joy.’ Their very own forever family.

The Smile by Marie Voigt

A book that explores the gift a smile can be. ‘And if you put a smile on just one face…before long there will be too many to count’. Fabulous illustrations that beautifully show everyday situations where smiling makes a difference.

Totnes St John’s Church of England Primary School, Totnes, Devon

“Children quickly recognise new letters and the sounds that they make. Staff make regular checks on what pupils know. Therefore, pupils get help quickly, if needed. This supports pupils to read widely and with fluency.

School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection:

Racemeadow Primary Academy, Atherstone, Warwickshire

“Leaders and teachers regularly assess how well pupils at the early stages of reading keep up. They provide expert support to any pupils who fall behind their peers.”

School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good

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